Photo via FreightWaves
According to FreightWaves, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have expanded their customer protections as part of their ongoing merger application with the Surface Transportation Board. The two Class I railroads are working to address regulatory concerns by incorporating additional assurances designed to protect shippers and other stakeholders throughout the consolidation process.
The enhanced customer commitments come as the STB advances its formal review of the proposed combination. Both carriers appear focused on demonstrating their ability to maintain service standards and competitive pricing for customers following any potential merger completion.
The additions underscore the carriers' effort to build support among customers and regulators during a critical phase of the regulatory approval process. Industry observers note that robust customer protections could prove essential to gaining STB approval for one of the railroad sector's most significant proposed transactions in recent years.
